Palawan has been cited by the New York-based Travel + Leisure magazine as the “World’s Best Island.”

Known globally for its beaches, Palawan joins a worldwide roster of hotels, transportation modes, and destinations that made it among the magazine’s World’s Best Awards.

“Two countries written off in recent years—Zambia and the Philippines—are safe to visit once again, and thriving with cool new safari camps and island thatched-roof villas,” wrote Heidi Mitchell in the article “Hottest Travel Destinations of 2013.”

“The archipelago of Palawan, a UNESCO biosphere reserve in the Philippines, just added a resort with a scuba center; hop a two-hour flight from Hong Kong, and you’ll soon be diving with the sea turtles,” she added.

The awarding ceremony is slated on July 18 in New York City.

It will be hosted by Travel + Leisure editor-in-chief Nancy Novogrod and vice president and publisher Jay Meyer.

On the other hand, international media outlet CNN ranks the Philippines’ Cloud Nine in Siargao Island as number 9 among the World’s 50 Best Surf Spots. (Eugene Santos)

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